East Derry MP Gregory Campbell has called on the Employment Minister to “pay particular attention” to a recent report which, he claims, proves Protestants are not being treated equally when it comes job creation.
Gregory Campbell.
Mr Campbell revealed he has written to Department of Employment and Learning (DEL} Minister Stephen Farry following the publication of the Labour Force Survey Religion Report which looked and employment in the North over a 20 year period, 1992-1912.
Mr Campbell, the DUP’s spokesperson on International Development and Culture, Media and Sport, said the report showed a trend where unemployment amongst the Catholic population had fallen by four per cent but had risen by one per cent amongst Protestants.
Mr Campbell said: “Northern Ireland is second only to Greater London in terms of attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) jobs, which is good news. Indeed, for the 11th consecutive month the unemployment claimant count has fallen in Northern Ireland with 5,400 less people claiming unemployment benefit.
“However, we must also consider those who, for various reasons, are unemployed.”
Mr Campbell added if unemployment was falling, it would be expected that fewer people from both communities wold be unemployed, and when it was rising, it would also be expected that more people from each community would be unemployed.
He added: “This Report declares that this is not the case. It vindicates what I and my party have been saying for some time, that there is an inequality among those people beginning employment, and it is to the disadvantage of the Protestant community.
In my constituency, I have addressed unemployment issues within working-class areas by working with Invest NI as well as local colleges to encourage skills training as well as other educational programmes. There has been feedback that these workshops have been very helpful.
I have written to the DEL Minister, Stephen Farry, drawing his attention to this part of the Survey and asking what actions his Department has taken or is planning to take to address this regrettable trend amongst those from a Protestant background.
It is important that as Northern Ireland moves forward that none of the community is left behind. It is not good for society, regardless of religious background, if unemployment is increasing. When it is falling, ALL sections of our society must benefit.”
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